REVELL 1:72 SOPWITH TRIPLANE
'INBOX Review'

 

Reviewer: Richard Stracey (rec.models.scale) 

Kit Details:  REVELL   #04187   1/72 SOPWITH TRIPLANE

“Good things come to those who wait” and Revell have kept us waiting for the re release of this classic little kit but at last we have it again. First released by Revell (GB) back in the 60s it consists of the same 26 parts but this time in tan, very close to clear doped linen. It comes in honest sized sealed, end opening box with good artwork. The instruction sheet has a seven step assembly sequence, sprue map, four view, history and the usual annoying Revell paint list giving their own colours which require mixing. Also included is a warning sheet in no less than twenty one languages!

For those who are averse to making bi/triplanes this one is simple. As David said there are a few injector pin marks to be tidied up but nothing serious. The carburetor intakes need drilling out and a couple of blind holes drilling on the wheel rims to represent the valves. The axle (8) could do with replacing with something finer. The Clerget engine (3) could be replaced with an Aeroclub EO13 or EO81 and the Vickers gun (15) with an Aeroclub GO01. The cockpit could do with some detailing if the pilot is not used; again Aeroclub comes to the rescue with their VO54 seat and stick. I would recommend hemming nylon or fine mono filament fishing line rather than Revell’s idea of black thread for the rigging.

The decals look fine and are for one aircraft N5493 “Blymp” of 8 Sqn. RNAS. Revell include a decal full harness seat belt but I am sure that the “Tripehound” would have had only a lap belt so the decal could be kept for some appropriate aircraft and a length of masking tape used instead. The colours are the standard PC10 with clear doped linen underside for which I prefer to paint in Humbrol 148 / Testors 1709  Radome Tan with Carr’s brown powdered chalk rubbed in which gives it a natural appearance.

There is quite a lot of useful information on the internet concerning the Triplane. In conclusion this is a really nice little kit at a reasonable price. Thank you Revell now what about the rest?

                                                                                          RHS/08

 

 

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